Sydney man leaves million-dollar legacy gift, impacting three Cape Breton organizations

Grant Roberts Sullivan, a former Sydney lawyer, passed away in April 2022 after living with dementia for three years.

Prior to his illness and passing, Grant planned a bequest – a gift left in a will – for three Cape Breton organizations: The YMCA of Cape Breton, Cape Breton University, and the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation.
Leaving a total of $1.77 million, each organization recently received $590,000 from Grant’s estate.

“It was important to Grant to structure his life so that he could give back to his community,” says Florie Sullivan, Grant’s cousin. “He was thoughtful, highly intelligent, and he knew the value of supporting others.”

Grant supported several organizations throughout his life, financially and through volunteerism. He was an active member of the Riverview Y’s Men Club, where he was awarded a Lifetime Honorary Membership from Y’s Men International, as well as the United Heritage Church. His legacy of giving and supporting others lives on with this final, impactful gift to our community.

Cape Breton University has used the funds to establish a new scholarship recognizing Wanda Robson; the YMCA of Cape Breton has used a portion of funds for capital while investing the remainder; and the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation has directed funds to their ‘Area of Greatest Need’ fund.

“It is evident that Grant was an incredible person by the fact that one of his final acts was to give to others,” says Paula MacNeil, Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation CEO. “This incredibly generous planned gift will be directed toward our Foundation’s ‘Area of Greatest Need’, which allows us to quickly respond to priority health care needs of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital and the Cape Breton Cancer Centre as they arise.”

“A legacy is not just what we leave behind, but the lives we touch and the communities we uplift when someone leaves an estate gift. Leaving a donation in your will ensures that your values and generosity live on, creating lasting change,” says Sara Burke, Vice President of Development at Cape Breton University. “We are so grateful to receive this gift, and thank Grant’s family for sharing his legacy with three important organizations in our community.”

“With a vision of thriving communities where everyone can shine and feel they belong, the YMCA of Cape Breton’s planned gift from Mr. Sullivan has been strategically invested to support the long-term sustainability of our Frank Rudderham Family YMCA facility in downtown Sydney,” says Sabrina Vatcher, YMCA CEO. “This investment allows our YMCA to maintain and enhance our facility, ensuring continued access to youth, adults, families and seniors in our community. His legacy will have a lasting impact on community members accessing our YMCA as they discover their potential to shine”.